Chapultepec Forest will shine with a special glow during the Day of the Dead long weekend. From October 30 to November 1, the Water Lantern Festival will bring together hundreds of people by Lago Mayor to fill the water with small lights and personal messages as the sun sets.
The event draws inspiration from the traditional lantern festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and adds a nighttime experience to the Mexican capital’s celebrations.
When and where will the Water Lantern Festival take place?
The event will take place over three days at the Xochipilli Fountain, next to Lago Mayor in the Second Section of Chapultepec Forest. Activities begin at 3 p.m., and the experience lasts approximately four hours, with the most anticipated moment at sunset, when the lanterns are released onto the water.
The idea is to arrive early to decorate your lantern, browse the food stalls, and enjoy the music before the group lantern release. You can write a wish, dedicate a few words to someone special, or jot down a memory you’d like to honor during this time of year.
Music, food, and thousands of lights on the water
Water Lantern Festival Chapultepec Forest
30 October 2026 15:00 + more dates
Lago Mayor de Chapultepec
In addition to the lantern display, there will be live music, culinary offerings, local artisans, and activities inspired by the Day of the Dead. It’s a great outing to enjoy as a couple, with friends, or with family—especially if you’re looking for a different way to celebrate the season without leaving the city.
The lanterns are made of paper and natural wood and feature an LED candle instead of an open flame. At the end of the event, the organizing team collects all the lanterns to prevent debris from remaining in the water.
How to get tickets for the Water Lantern Festival
General admission to Chapultepec Forest and the Day of the Dead festival is free, but participating in the lantern experience requires purchasing a separate kit through Fever. Listed prices start at 340 MXN per person for the individual kit, with options available for couples and groups of four.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and something warm for after sunset. The exact launch times may vary, so be sure to check the details for your session before you go.
